[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 120 (Thursday, September 12, 2013)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E1298] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] CONGRATULATING CHARLES A. REIMER ON HIS RETIREMENT AND TO COMMEND HIM FOR HIS 33 YEARS OF MILITARY SERVICE AND 27 YEARS OF FEDERAL CIVIL SERVICE ______ HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY of virginia in the house of representatives Thursday, September 12, 2013 Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Charles A. Reimer, a resident of the 11th District, for his years of service to our country and to congratulate him on the occasion of his retirement following 33 years of military service and 27 years of federal civil service. Mr. Reimer enlisted in our United States Army in August 1966 and served honorably for 3 years. In 1969, Mr. Reimer began his federal civil service, and, in 1970, he joined the Massachusetts National Guard. For the following 13 years, he served concurrently as a civilian employee in the Department of the Army as well as fulfilling his duties in the Guard. During this period of concurrent service, Mr. Reimer became an expert in personnel management and focused on development of training programs and enhancement of training though facilities management. His innovative techniques were used to support the development of training programs for the National Park Service, U.S. Marshall Service, U.S. Marine Corps, and other federal and state agencies. In 1980, his expertise was invaluable in helping to implement a new initial entry training for the Army as well as more specialized training for inter- service personnel. Mr. Reimer's civil service evolved to more technical positions in developing strategic education programs aimed at preparing individuals for senior leadership positions in the military as well as foreign area officers and strategists. In June, 1983, Mr. Reimer was ordered into Federal Active Duty with the National Guard, where he served with distinction in personnel management and later in the areas of environmental management, diplomacy, and international affairs. His military career culminated with his service as Chief, Africa/Asia/Pacific Division, International Affairs Directorate for the National Guard Bureau. He was released from active duty in August 1999 and returned to federal civil service. His last assignment as the Strategic Planning Officer for the Chief of the National Guard Bureau was a culmination of all the years of service and experience supporting federal, state and local officials and organizations. In recognition of his exemplary service in uniform and as a civilian federal employee, Mr. Reimer has received numerous decorations, awards, and medals including: Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Award (4), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Reserve Component Achievement Medal (7), Good Conduct Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal (2), Armed Forces Reserve Medal with Gold Hour Glass Device, Medal for the Defense of Freedom, Superior Civilian Service Medal (2), Commander's Award for Civilian Service, Army Superior Unit Award (2), Texas Medal of Merit, and Massachusetts Emergency Service Award. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in commending Charles A. Reimer for his dedication and service to our country while serving in the National Guard and also as a dedicated public servant. I also thank his family for their support and sacrifices which have enabled Charles to contribute so greatly to our country. He has made immeasurable contributions to our nation, and I wish him a healthy, happy, and well-deserved retirement. ____________________